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Secondary Education - Biology, Bachelor of Science in Education
This degree serves students who wish to teach Biology in secondary schools (grades 6-12). Firmly grounded in the Biological Sciences, with significant work in teacher preparation through the highly acclaimed NAUTeach science and mathematics teacher certification program, the program prepares you to gain expertise in the biological sciences while earning your Arizona teaching certification.
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
This program is nationally recognized by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
- All of Northern Arizona University's general studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
- At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
- At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.
The full policy can be viewed here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Students may transfer up to 69 units of credit from a Maricopa Community College.
- 97 - 100 units of major requirements which includes 39 units of Teacher Preparation Coursework.
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
- Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.
- Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, professional dispositions are demonstrated through student (or candidate) performance in all major requirement courses.
- Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.5 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 125 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
| Licensure | This program may lead to licensure. |
Purpose Statement
The NAUTeach program equips secondary mathematics and science students (or teacher candidates) with the knowledge and practices necessary to teach diverse learners in ways that are rigorous, equitable, and responsive to all students. Our program provides a challenging undergraduate progression plan solely designed to prepare mathematics and science teachers for grades 6-12. The program emphasizes the teacher candidate's ability to develop research-based pedagogy through a STEM-focused, field-intensive, rigorous curriculum. Undergraduates are highly supported by Faculty who specialize in mathematics and science education research and who have years of professional classroom experience. Our program is designed for students, with strong skills in mathematics or science, seeking certification to teach biology, chemistry, physics, Earth sciences, general science, or mathematics at the secondary level.
The NAUTeach program provides opportunities for you to:
- Graduate in four years. Students earn a Bachelor of Science in education in their field of study.
- Earn dual degrees. Students can earn degrees in specific fields of science or mathematics and in teaching science or math.
- Have early classroom teaching immersion. Students are in the K-12 mathematics or science classroom teaching and observing from the first semester and throughout the NAUTeach program to prepare for their capstone student teaching experience.
- Work cooperatively in a STEM-focused center. Course of study partnered with the Departments of Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics.
- Experience "student-centered" instruction. Course structure supports deep student understanding of concepts related to teaching, science, and mathematics.
- Develop numerous STEM-based lessons and a full STEM-based unit. Students teach numerous STEM lessons and a STEM unit at local secondary schools, which build towards a capstone student teaching experience that utilizes the full range of skills and experiences.
- Engage in educational dialogue and planning. Students plan lessons that promote deep content knowledge, analytical reasoning, creative thought, and the use of appropriate teaching strategies.
- Use technology to enhance learning. Students experience technology throughout NAUTeach courses and develop lessons that model technology use in 6-12 classrooms.
- Earn scholarships, internships, and loan forgiveness. Numerous financial opportunities exist for secondary mathematics and science education majors.
- Inspire future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to change the world.
- The Learner and Learning
- The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
- The teacher uses an understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
- The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, encouraging positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
- Content
- The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to ensure mastery of the content.
- The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving related to authentic local and global issues.
- Instructional Practice
- The teacher understands and uses multiple assessment methods to engage learners in their growth, monitor learner progress, and guide the teacher's and learner's decision-making.
- The teacher plans instruction that supports each student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, pedagogy, and knowledge of learners and the community context.
- The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop a deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
- Professional Responsibility
- The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
- The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning and collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth and to advance the profession.
Details Accordion Closed
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- To receive Professional Education Programs (PEP) approval, candidates must:
- Be a declared Secondary Education major in this program.
- Complete the Teacher Preparation Course TSM 101 with a Grade of "C" or better.
- Complete the Program's Mathematics Foundations requirement with a Grade of "C" or better.
- Complete the English foundations requirement (ENG 105 or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 3.0. (If your English GPA is below 3.0, you may take an approved writing course to achieve the 3.0 GPA).
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Complete and submit IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card; Youth Suicide Prevention Training; Professional Dispositions Modules; Equity Survey; and a Professional Responsibility Survey.
- To receive Professional Education Programs (PEP) approval, candidates must:
Transfer Block
- Students may transfer up to 69 units of credit from a Maricopa Community College.
Major Requirements
This major requires 97 - 100 units distributed as follows:
- Biology Course Requirements: 38 units
- General Science Course Requirements: 20 - 23 units
- Teacher Preparation Coursework: 39 units
Take the following 97 - 100 units:- A minimum NAU cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A Grade of "C" or better or a grade of P for pass/fail coursework is required for all major requirements.
- To be cleared for student teaching, a GPA of 2.5 is required in major requirements.
Biology Course Requirements (38 units)
General Science Course Requirements (20 - 23 units)
Teacher Preparation
Teacher Preparation Coursework (39 units)
The following coursework must be completed with a Grade of 'C' or better except where noted.
Before being accepted to student teaching, the following criteria must be met:
- Admission to the Professional Education Programs (PEP).
- GPA and course grade requirements for degree program as stated in Additional Admission and Major Requirements.
- Complete all BSEd requirements which involves practicum experience with a practicing teacher. These required experiences are embedded in the major requirements courses.
- Pass the appropriate AEPA or NES Subject Knowledge test prior to student teaching.
- Completed online Student Teaching application one year prior to student teaching.
- Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by DPS with expiration date no earlier than the end of the student teaching term must be on file in the Professional Education Programs (PEP) (copy of front and back).
- All major coursework, with the exception of TSM 101 must be completed within the six years prior to student teaching (TSM 495C and TSM 496).
- Successful completion of required state and university training modules.
- All candidates must demonstrate professional and ethical standards of practice as described in the Model Code of Ethics for Educators and adhere to NAU’s and PEP’s Student Code of Conduct.
- All outstanding NAUTeach and PEP Alerts must be resolved per improvement plan.
- Attend mandatory Student Teaching Orientation.
The NAU Teach program was intentionally designed to lead to licensure or certification in the state of Arizona. As part of that program design, you must pass the Secondary Professional Knowledge Exam that aligns with certification requirements in the state of Arizona to graduate.
Students in the Secondary Education – Biology BSEd may pursue a dual degree with one of the following plans:
General Electives
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Additional Information
Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to an Institutional Recommendation may change at any time and may impact program of study requirements.
This degree plan is supported through the NAUTeach program.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.